Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview Available for Download Now

As promised earlier this week, Canonical has released the bootable images and alpha version of its software development kit (SDK) for the company’s new Ubuntu Touch OS for smartphones and tablets. The images will only support the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and LG Nexus 4 for smartphones, and the ASUS Nexus 7 and Samsung Nexus 10 for tablets.

Because this preview is in the very early stages of development, only the following core functionalities of the phone will be supported:

Network connection (for Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4)

Phone calls and SMS (for Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4)

WiFi connectivity

Front and rear camera

Device connectivity through the Android Developer Bridge tool (adb)

Canonical is rightly stating that due to the limited functionality, the Ubuntu Touch Developer Preview is meant for developers and enthusiasts only, and cannot replace a user’s day to day phone. However, if you’ve got one of the devices mentioned above lying around and you’d like to see what Ubuntu Touch OS has to offer, head on to Ubuntu’s developer site here, where you’ll find a step-by-step guide to installing the preview on your device, as well as restoring Android later on.